Browsing by Author "Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N."

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The Academic Library Support for E-Learning: Students’ Perspectives and Web Observation
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Perera, W.P.G.L; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
In today's digital age, ICTs have become an influence for the education sector, which has created exceptional learning experiences through virtual platforms. E-learning is capable of widening access materials, equality, reducing cost, improving quality, flexibility and maintaining interactive learning in university education. University education is geared towards teaching, learning and students are adept at new knowledge and information. Academics and information professionals help them develop information to enhance their knowledge in specific areas. The academic library is the largest provider of educational information and resources. In the e-learning context, the university library has a huge role and should directly support the educational process as well as research by providing facilities. University libraries continue to offer services that build on traditional learning. It also needs to improve how we support virtual users. Digital natives tend to learn virtually, and library services need to expand to support them. This study was conducted in advance of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the status of academic library support and e-learning initiatives from a student perspective. The quantitative methodology was applied with the data gathering through a questionnaire from undergraduates. However, e-learning has rapidly changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also resulted in a sudden transformation of library services. To validate the study results, of the research, the web observation has been added and to determine the recent development of library support for e-learning. The results of the study show that students expect library services through multimedia mode and expect on-line guide sessions on the use of modern technological facilities, information retrieval facilities for distance learning. It appears that the user expects to have access to information in a highly flexible and timely manner.
Acceptance and Usage of Moodle Learning Management System among Academics in the University of Kelaniya
(3rd International Conference on Library and Information Management, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Wickramasinghe, D.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
The purpose of this research is to analyze acceptance and usage of Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) amongst academics in a selected public university. 71 academics were responded from four faculties i.e. Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce & Management Studies, and Computing and Technology in the University of Kelaniya. The printed questionnaires as well as online questionnaires were distributed among the lectures. The findings reveal that a gap between high acceptance and low actual usage. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was the framework used for this study. Finding of this research revealed the hypotheses such as academics’ attitude towards using LMS is influenced by the perceived usefulness. Academics’ behavioral intention to use LMS is influenced by their attitude towards using LMS. Academics’ acceptance of learning management system is high in University of Kelaniya. The data revealed that the academics use the LMS more for ‘assignment’. Some activities such as Mootyper, SCORM package, Workshop, Wiki, Survey, Choice and Glossary should be more utilized. The URL was the most used Moodle resource and the least resource was IMS content package. So IMS content package, label should be more utilized and need to conduct proper trainings to get a successful engagement in Moodle LMS.
Agricultural information and the farming community in Sri Lanka: with special reference to Gampaha and Kegalle Districts
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Rajapaksha, M.
A Contextual Framework to Guide the Introduction and Use of e-learning
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Liew, C.L.; Cranefield, J.
In Sri Lanka, under the government’s vision of higher education, Information Management (IM) education is seen as important for fostering the development of a high quality market-oriented and knowledge-based society. However, a number of barriers currently restrict access to IM education by Sri Lankan information workers: the provision of education is limited to face-to-face teaching at three institutions in the Colombo (capital city) area, and the country’s physical infrastructure makes it difficult for full-time workers to attend classes without missing substantial work time. This results in IM employer reluctance to support education. Hence there is a growing need to provide equity of access to IM education. In response to World Bank reports, the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council (QAAC) of Sri Lanka aims to foster transformative change in IM education with the goal of increasing equality of access to IM education through the use of e-learning. This research was guided by two questions: (i) what are the contextual factors and (ii) how do these factors affect the introduction and use of e-learning in tertiary-level IM education in Sri Lanka? An interpretive case study research was conducted. Thirty semistructured interviews were conducted with information management education providers, existing e-learning providers and relevant stakeholders, and three focus group discussions were conducted with information workers and academics. Relevant documents were also analysed: (i) official government documents (ii) official documents from private sources and other internal records; and (iii) relevant internet resources. Fullan’s educational change theory and Hofstede, Hofstede, and Minkov’s cultural dimensions provided a basis for a conceptual model to guide the process of data collection and analysis in this study to gain an understanding of factors affecting the introduction and use of e-learning. A key outcome of this study is the development of a contextual framework to guide the introduction and use of e-learning in IM education in developing country context like Sri Lanka. Factors that are perceived to have an impact on the introduction and use of elearning were found at different levels. Macro-level factors included social and cultural factors, governmental factors, and technological factors. Meso-level factors included resistance to pedagogical change, lack of human and other resources, lack of collaboration/partnership among stakeholders and collective perception of e-learning acceptance. The findings of this study have implications for IM educators and practice in the forms of development of policies, implementation of e-learning, and prioritization and allocation of resources.
Design and development of a desired Graduate Profile (GP) for the BA (Honors) Degree program in Library and Information Science (BLISC) conducted by the Department of Library and Information Science (DELIS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerasooriya, W.A.; Weerasinghe, M.K.; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Piyarathana Thero, Lagumdeniye; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Chamara, K.A.T.
The principal objective of this paper is to explore the design and development a Graduate Profile for the BLISC honors degree, at the DELIS, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and to map it with the K-SAM model (Knowledge is what student can and should know, Skills is what they can and should do, Attitude is how they think and behave and should, Mindset is how they perceive and should perceive the world) developed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka. Graduate Profiles are the descriptions of attributes like the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behavioral elements (characteristics, qualities, ethics and norms, way of behavior, vision, mission, mindset, world of work are also considered) which a parent university or the educational authority expects from its graduates through the contact and non-contact hours with a view to position these graduates as universal citizens recognized with competent, social, cultural, good mannered, employable and environment friendly groups fitting local, regional, national and international demands and requirements. This is a result of a qualitative study performed on the basis of action research, content, needs and SWOT analysis and observation and experience matching and also of an ongoing study covering the BLISC degree program and its undergraduates. All the local and foreign curriculum standards relevant to study were also used. The 14 attributes expected from the BLISC Graduates are the 1.Subject Knowledge Capable (K), 2.Skilled (S), 3.Behavior Changer (A), 4.Information Literate and Lifelong Learner (SAM), 5.Language and Communication Competent (SAM), 6.Researcher and Scholar (SAM) 7.Analytical and Critical Thinker (SM), 8.Agent of Attitudes (A), 9.Planner and Time Manager (SA) 10.Problem Solver (SAM), 11.Environment and Social Friendly Group (AM) 12.Courageous Leader (SA) 13.Honest and Cultural Obedient Person (AM) 14.Dedicated Serviceman (K-SAM) and the final goal expected from GP is to develop a Visionary Global Citizen. How the BLISC undergraduates realize the major domains of K-SAM developed by the UGC are marked and mapped with the 14 attributes of the proposed GPabove. The attributes are mapped and embedded in the BLISC Degree program. There are altogether 42 study units in the curriculum and out of that, 26 are theory papers, 11 independent assignment based units, three practical or laboratory based units, 01 industrial training unit and the independent dissertation, altogether 42 units positioning in total 123 credits. While total study units attempt to inculcate the Knowledge domain of the undergraduates, 22 units develop Skills and 08 address the Attitudes and 6 units focus the Mindset domain. The dissertation and the industrial training units both play a major role in K-SAM. In addition to the BLISC curriculum, the field trip, library workshop method, Library and Information Science Student Association, three students’ societies namely English, IT and Library and all other creative and social functions like Teachers Day have been planned to improve these four domain K-SAM introduced by the UGC. Everything is directed to achieve the objectives of the GP.
E-Learning in Information Management education in Sri Lanka: An examination of needs and issues
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
The proposed study aims to explore and understand the various contextual factors that impact on the application of e-learning in tertiary level Information Management (IM) education in Sri Lanka. Under the vision of higher education in Sri Lanka, IM education is seen as responsible for fostering the development of a high quality market oriented and knowledge based society. As with other developing counties, information can be seen as a fundamental resource for improving the quality of Sri Lanka‟s governance and promoting socio-economic development (Kularatne, 1997; Meso et al., 2009). However, a number of barriers currently restrict access to IM education by Sri Lankan students and information workers: the provision of education is limited to face-to-face teaching at three institutions in the Colombo area, the country‟s physical infrastructure makes it difficult for fulltime workers to attend classes without missing substantial work time, and this results in employer reluctance to support education. In response to a World Bank Report (2007, 2009) the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council (QAAC) of Sri Lanka has identified aims to foster transformative change in IM education with the goal of increasing equality of access to IM education through the use of e-learning. However, there is no research that indicates what factors have an impact on the application of e-learning in tertiary level IM education in the Sri Lankan context, and what the barriers or enablers to doing so might be. This will be an interpretive case research study using qualitative data collection techniques. A preliminary model of factors has been developed based on relevant theories and will be used to guide the proposed research. The preliminary model will be modified based on data from fieldwork to assist IM educators in Sri Lanka to increase equality of access to IM education and to guide decisions regarding quality and the learning process.
E-Learning in Information Management Education in Sri Lanka: Discussion of a research model
(2011) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Liew, C.L.; Cranefield, J.
This is a part of a PhD research. This research project aims to explore and understand the contextual factors that have significant impact on the use of e-learning in tertiary level Information Management (IM) education in Sri Lanka. The Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of Sri Lanka recommended that one of the IM education providers should ?take necessary step to commence e-learning? with the goal of increasing equality of access to IM education. However, it is unclear what the necessary step might be, and what factors have significant impact on the use of e-learning. This will be an interpretive case research study using qualitative data collection techniques. A preliminary model of factors has been developed based on literature review and relevant theories and will be used to guide the proposed research. That model will be modified based on data from fieldwork to assist IM educators in Sri Lanka to guide the use of e-learning in tertiary level IM education in Sri Lanka.
The establishment of National Sports Information Center in Sri Lanka: A feasibility study
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
People in all the fields of study need information for their studies as well as for day-today activities. Libraries and information centers are required to provide information snob people. Information center is an office or a section of a bibliographical center, research bureau or documentation center which provides information about books or on a subject with which the organization providing the facilities of the center gets concerned (Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, 1990). From the beginning of human civilization man has been using sport as a means to exhibit his power and skill and also recreation. A sport is a discipline connected to numerous other spheres and it is not confined to play field alone. Various academic activities and research taking place in the field of sports have made it necessary to search for new information connected with sports. Sportsmen, trainers, administrators, media people, researchers and others connected with sports are constantly engaged in information searching. Therefore it is imperative to obtain information not only in print form but in electronic form as well. Theoretical aspects of sports have intensified this need. Absence of a formal institution to provide sports related information is a drawback to the development of sports in the country. Therefore the establishment of a National Sports Information Center is a timely need. With the help of librarians and people interested in sports a qualitative and a quantitative survey was done as a part of this research. Details related to information searching, source of information, expected information, existing library information services, bibliographic search tools available, and media coverage etc. were surveyed. Questionnaires were administered to gather data from selected sportsmen, coaches, sports officers, administrators, doctors and other interested people. Statistics from librarians representing different grades were obtained through interviews. The method adopted for data collection was non – probability convenience sampling method. Analysis of data revealed that sports related information available in the libraries was inadequate and that a large body of people expects current information in the field of sports. Survey also indicated the dearth of sport related literature in Sinhala medium and the need of an information center. The need for the collection of resources and the establishment to maintaining of a National Sports Information Center and the proposals to enhance the access to Sports information by Sri Lankans are among major suggestions of the study.
Impact of digital divide on academic performance in Sri Lankan universities
(2009) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
The impact of new information technology on public libraries in the n on - metropolitan area (Kurunegala district) in Sri Lanka
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
Technology plays an increasing role in accelerating information growth and promoting development. Information Technology (IT) refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software and the internet. Since we live in the “information age” information technology has become a part of our everyday lives. To fulfill information and knowledge needs of users as well as to keep pace with modern public library systems, the public libraries of Sri Lanka have to move towards a technological based service environment. Especially the public library is the local center of information, making all kinds of knowledge and information readily available to its users. According to UNESCO public library manifesto, the services of the public library are provided on the basis of equality of access for all, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nationality, language or social status. The major objectives of the research are to identify the services and functions of suburb public library and to identify the computer and internet usage of library personnel in public libraries in Sri Lanka in order to provide a better service. A qualitative and quantitative survey was done to gather data in the Kurunegala district in the Wayamba province in Sri Lanka. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of three sections. Background information of the public library was collected from section 1. Section 2 was designed to collect data on services of public libraries. Data on computer and internet usage by library personnel was collected using section 3 of the questionnaire. Out of 62 respondents, responses were obtained from 52 library personnel. The data analysis revealed that a large number of public libraries have some common features such as reference section, lending section, children section and periodical section. Most of libraries do not have a multimedia section. Few of the public libraries do have news paper cutting files, a project division and inter library loan division. Public libraries also rendered services such as reference service, lending service, user awareness, community service, entertainment activities and special user group service. About 60% public libraries possess mobile library services. Further 4% of public libraries have IT facilities. It was also revealed that most of the public librarians’ encountered problems related to providing new services, mainly due to the non availability of computer and internet facilities and lack of knowledge of handling new technologies. The major suggestions of the study are implementing well organized non-metropolitan public library systems with new technologies and facilitating the development of information and computer literacy skills among public library users. Further, the study suggested that the new services for the welfare of the user community.
The Impact of User Demography on Contextual Issues of E-learning: With Reference to Banking Sector Employees
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Innovation & Technology], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Rathnasekara, K.I.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Yatigammana, M.R.K.N.
The introduction of information technology in learning processes, commonly referred to as elearning, opens new dimensions in developing competent employees over traditional forms of training and development functions. E-Learning is highly cost effective to the organization, convenient to the learners and saves learning time by quicker delivery cycles. Therefore, many organizations, including banks have introduced e-learning to their employees with the intention of bridging the competency gaps in a more effective and efficient way. However, there is a claim and statistically proven evidence that the expected effectiveness cannot be achieved due to low e-learning engagement of employees. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to critically examine the effect of demographic characteristics on the contextual issues faced by the employees in order to reveal any indications, if any, towards their effective engagement of elearning. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 523 employees covering all employee segments in the selected bank employing the random sampling method. The findings of the study revealed that time management related contextual issues have majority of significant difference with demographic characteristics of employees and organizational related contextual issues have no any statistical significant difference.
Information Needs of the Rural Farmers in Kurunegala District in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Kumara, A.G.R.P.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
Information is considered as a fundamental resource for the human and their education and other activities including agriculture. However, presently in Sri Lanka there is an ongoing problem with farmers’ up-to-date knowledge on agriculture which affects badly on their agricultural products. Hence, his study aimed to investigate the information needs especially agricultural information needs of the rural farmers in Sri Lanka. This study employed qualitative research methodology and used survey method as a research method. Cluster sampling method has been used to select a study sample which included 100 farmers who lives in Walpothwewa, Dambukele, Weerapokuna, Puwakgahakadawala, Galgoda and Kiniyama in Bingiriya secretariat division in Kurunegala district. Primary date for this study were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. How farmers use different sources of information to fulfill their information needs are also observed by the researcher. This study found that farmers require various types of agricultural information. They are information about varieties of new seeds, pesticide management, livestock management, diseases, and fertility of soil. This study further identified that the rural farmers used some of the common sources of agricultural information such as television, Radio, Newspaper, Leaflet, Agricultural exhibitions and mobile apps to fulfill their information needs. Based on the study findings, it is confirmed that there is a huge demand for updated agricultural information for the rural agricultural community in Sri Lanka. However, due to the lack of relationships between farmers and agricultural officers, farmers not satisfied with getting information via agricultural officers and other relevant authorities. This study recommended that government should take necessary step to improve farmers’ information seeking behavior by conducting workshop, lectures, and active agricultural societies. This study further suggested that elect efficient and talent officials and thereby develop good relationship with farmers to provide relevant information when necessary. Moreover, electronic media can also play a vital role for fulfilling agricultural information needs rural farmers in Sri Lanka.
Introduction of a Four Stage Process of Developing Interactive Multimedia Based E-learning Materials.
(Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Jayantha, R.H.U.; De Pasqual, M.K.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Yatigammana, M.R.K.N.; Pathiranage, D.M.; Pallewatta, A.; Wijayarathne, P.G.
Interactive multimedia-based learning materials have been commonly used to facilitate teaching and learning. Technological tools have made the task of creating expression through multimedia more easily available. Invariably this has altered the dynamics of interactions that have traditionally constituted educational ecology of the classroom. Sri Lankan higher education sector has slightly move towards student-centered (collaborative) elearning based around construction to increase equity of access to education, to improve teaching and learning, and to promote students and academic staff in student-centred and activity-based teaching and learning. In designing pedagogically sound interactive multimedia-based e-learning materials, a high premium needs to be placed on leveraging a judicious mix of various presentation modes to cater to user’s differing learning styles and needs. This will ensure that learning is optimized which is essentially student-centred in nature in multimedia rich learning environments. However, as identified by National E-Learning Resource Center (NELRC) at University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, most of public higher education institutes largely use face-to-face teaching while e-learning is used as a supplementary tool. There is a lack of understanding of developing technological and pedagogical sound interactive multimedia based e- learning materials which are current problem areas seeking attention. This study used qualitative methodology which made use of qualitative method such as content analysis. This includes three distinct approaches: conventional, directed, and summative. This study used conventional content analysis where coding categories are derived directly from the text data. Based on conventional content analysis of e-learning literature which published in 2010-2016 and retrieved from EBSCO database, the four-stage process i.e. Analysis, Design, Develop,and Delivery has been developed to be used in developing technological and pedagogical sound interactive multimedia based e-learning materials in the Sri Lankan higher education system. After understanding the requirement of developing e-learning materials, the identified process start with the analysis stage which include multiple stages i.e. analyze the needs, cost, content, market, technology, and delivery method and assessment strategies. Design, develop, and delivery stages can be then carried out which also include multiple steps. This process will be useful as a guide for any e-learning centers or any teaching and learning organization for developing interactive multimedia based e-learning materials.
Introduction of Assignment Assessment System for Higher Education in Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Weersooriya, W.A.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
The Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) has been introduced into the Higher Education sector for improving many vital aspects of learning and assessing the learning process. In response to this framework, assessment procedures must be included when the syllabus is designed. However, in the syllabus it only explains methods of evaluation and allocation of marks as an assessment procedure (See Table 1). Methods of Evaluation Allocation of marks Examination 75% Assignments/Performances 20% Attendance 05% Total 100% Table 1 – Example for Assessment Procedure It does not clarifies assessment criteria and therefore students do not know what exactly his or her lecturer expects from them to gain 20% of marks from total for his or her assignment. On the other hand absence of proper assessment criteria may also impact on lecturer when he or she mark the assignment. This study fills these gaps by introducing rubrics. Rubrics have become popular with academics especially in developed countries like New Zealand as a means of communicating expectations for an assignment, providing focused feedback on works in progress, and grading final products. Heidi Andrade defined rubric as “a document that articulates the expectations for an assignment by listing the criteria, or what counts, and describing levels of quality from excellent to poor”. Rubrics can be used to grade student work but they can serve another, more important, role as well. For example, Rubrics can teach as well as evaluate. When used as part of a formative, student-centred approach to assessment, rubrics have the potential to help students develop understanding and skill, as well as make dependable judgments about the quality of their own work. Students should be able to use rubrics in many of the same ways that teachers use them—to clarify the standards for a quality performance, and to guide ongoing feedback about progress toward those standards. Introduction of said assignment assessment system have implications for academics in higher education and practice in the forms of development of policies.
Role of E-learning in Providing Lifelong Learning.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Yatigammana, M. R. K. N.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Pathirage, D. P.; Jayantha, R. H. U.; De Pasqual, M. K.; Priyankara, C.; Wijayarathne, P. G.
The E-learning has opened up access and promoted equity by offering more affordable opportunities for quality lifelong learning. Through e-Sri Lanka project introduced in 2003, the government of Sri Lanka aims to (1) improving access and use of information and communication technology; (2) giving access to and use of public services online by businesses and citizens; and (3) improving the competitiveness of the private sector and in particular of the knowledge industry and SMEs. As a result, there is an increasing demand for empowering the population of Sri Lanka through affordable community access to technologies and provide basic computer literacy training services to regularly use ICT or e-services. After identify this requirement, the National E-learning Resource Centre (NELRC) of University of Kelaniya with the collaboration of Information and Communication Technology Industry Skill Council (ICTISC) has started developing interactive multimedia based e-learning materials to enhance ICT skills of all the citizens in Sri Lanka. As the first step, and interactive multimedia based e-learning material is developed to enhance ICT skills of National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 which promotes e citizen. A four stage model of analysis, design, develop and delivery is used to identify the mixture of best multimedia to achieve each learning outcome of NVQ level 2, design the prototype, testing, producing the final version and deliver the content to user.
Role of the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya in LIS Educational sector in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Library Association, 2009) Ranasinghe, P.; Weerasooriya, W.A.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
Sports Information Needs in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
Information is a crucial factor in all human endeavors including sports. Today sports has become an academic discipline surpassing its original definition which is solely based on physical exercises and skills. Now it is connected to many other fields of studies in Social Sciences, Sciences, Medicine, Management and Humanities. Presently in Sri Lanka too, sports has been recognized as an important academic discipline. Hence a variety of academic courses, activities and research are being conducted in national institutions including universities. As a result the provision of required information for those who engaged in both practical and theoretical sides of sports has become a necessity. Despite this need and demand for information, library facilities to cater to the purpose are inadequate in the few sports schools and institutes in Sri Lanka. The objective of the research is to find the sports information needs of those who arc engaged and interested in multiple areas in the discipline of sports in Sri Lanka. A qualitative and a quantitative survey was done to gather data in the areas of (1) objectives of sports information searching (2) types of needs (3) expected information ( 4) preferable formats (5) available sports publications in Sri Lanka (5) problems of information searching and (6) effectiveness of existing sports information system in Sri Lanka. Questionnaire was administrated among selected sports personnel, trainers, administrators, coaches, sports officers, lecturers, doctors, sponsors and other interested people and the method adopted for data collection was non - probability convenience sampling method. Out of 200 respondents, responses were obtained from nearly 60% people. Data analysis revealed that a large number of respondents sought sport information mainly to develop their knowledge of professional guidance for entertainment, research and education. They were generally interested in current sports information on theoretical background of practice, rules and regulations, sports medicine, available especially in electronic formats. It was also revealed that most of the users encountered with problems related to information searching, mainly due to the non - availability of guidance in searching and retrieving information. Among other problems disorganized and outdated collections, lack of reference sources, lack of computers and internet facilities were who observed. The need for well organized special sports library systems, updated collections of printed and electronic resources and professional guidance to improve information skills and information literacy of users are among the major suggestions of the study.
A study on the use of internet by Indian academics for their research activities
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
One of the revolutions in recent times of the computer history has been that of networking. A world wide network of network today is what has manifested as the itself the internet. Internet may thus be envisaged as "a large network of network that may work as a world wide channel of communication, a large storage of information, an information super highway and much more." The internet has been able to bring great changes in our daily lives. It has influenced the individuals in their professional and domestic activities. For academics the internet is more beneficial for their research activities. The objective of the research is to find the usage of the internet by Indian academics for their research activities. A quantitative and a qualitative survey was done to gather data in the areas of (1) purpose of use (2) methods of locating information and (3) search techniques used in retrieving the information by the Indian academics. A questionnaire was administrated to participants of the 6 ts' orientation course at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. The sample represented all disciplines such as social sciences, sciences, humanities, commerce and management. The participants of the course represented every part of India. Data analysis revealed that a large number of Indian academics use the internet for their research and communication purposes. Again they used the internet because of accuracy and currency of information. They have been generally interested in e mail, sending papers/ articles to scholarly publications, using search engines to find information and staying current with new developments. The survey concludes that more awareness about internet resources and training in use of the same needs to be provided by library professionals.
Undergraduate perceptions of information use: the basis for creating user centered student information literacy instruction
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
User Perception of E-Resources Provided by the Kelaniya University Library: a Case Study
(3rd International Conference on Library and Information Management, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Perera, W.P.G.L.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
This paper aims to identify user perception of the e-resources provided by the University of Kelaniya library with the responses of two user categories. They are students and the academic staff of the university. The study was conducted as a web-based survey method for the academic staff and manual data collection method for the students. The sampling method used for this study is stratified random sampling method to select students and academic staff members from the population. This study has considered participant from five faculties. This is on user perception of e-resources provided by the library. E-resource acquisitions have increased with relating to the users’ demand in academic libraries. That is important for an academic library to acquire and arrange e-resource. Compare to present and past learning styles, e-resources have a major role in the academic process. The university libraries are the main learning resource provider of the university. They have to have the capacity to identify relevant information sources both versions in physical and electronic. This has covered ten parts mainly under the topic of E-resources. They are Arrangements for existing learning resources to support e-learning, New acquisitions to support the e-learning, Available databases related to the various subjects taught at your university, Digital library to support learning and teaching by sharing experts' research experiences and publications, Searching and evaluation facilities through the library website, Electronic resource access and sharing (online), Evaluation of e-resource facilities through the faculty CAL, Access for the university subscribed e-journals, e-books, databases and other course materials, both within and outside the university premises, the self-learning supportive videos / PPT and guidelines provided by the library, the preservation of the electronic resource, and provision to access digitized archives at your library